Service celebrates WWI regiment

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The South Canterbury RSA's World War I commemorations this weekend will have a strong New Zealand Defence Force presence.

The date of the commemorations, August 16, marks 100 years since the 8th (South Canterbury) New Zealand Mounted Rifles Regiment (NZMR) departed Timaru showgrounds to go to Lyttelton to join the war efforts.

RSA general manager Michelle Brown said the commemorations would kick off at 2pm and take place at the Phar Lap Raceway with the unveiling of a plaque dedicated to the NZMR.

The commemorations will also feature a march on by soldiers from the 2/4 Battalion out of Burnham and Dunedin.

"Timaru army and air force cadets will also be present, along with two horses with soldiers dressed in authentic NZMR uniforms," Brown said.